Colonel Ret. Sr.
September 3, 1932 — April 13, 2010
Retired Colonel Arthur William Burer, Sr., United States Air Force, passed away on April 13, 2010 at Kerrville Veterans Center surrounded by his loving family. Arthur, a native Texan was born at Fort Sam Houston Army Hospital. Inspired by his fathers dedicated military service, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at the age of 18. For the next thirty-two years, he served his nation as a dedicated military professional in the field of aviation. He held the aeronautical rate of Command Pilot with over 4,000 hours of flying time. Arthur culminated his career as the Base Commander of Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas where he retired in 1983. Arthur graduated from Anacostia High School in 1950. He enlisted in 1951 and received his commission through Officer Candidate School in 1957. In 1964 he received his Bachelors Degree from the University of Omaha through the Operation Bootstrap Program. His military decorations include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, two Air Force Commendation Medals, Purple Heart and the POW Medal. The most challenging assignment of his military career began on March 21, 1966, while on a reconnaissance mission in North Viet Nam. After his unarmed RF101 aircraft was struck by enemy ground fire, he was forced to abandon the aircraft in enemy territory. He spent the next seven years learning what FREEDOM really means courtesy of the Hanoi Hilton and a few other institutes of higher learning. He always said What pulled me through seven arduous years of captivity was my Faith in God, my Country and my Family. The events since his release in February 1973 have proven that faith to be well founded. The most challenging assignment of his family career was to successfully raise four children, with the partnership of his able wife Nan. Arthur gave each of his children the model of a committed dedicated adult who gave to his home, his community, his country and his God. Each child greatly benefited from his wisdom, guidance, stern discipline and loving kindness. The most important assignment was being faithful to the LORD. He was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church of Universal City where he served many years as a Deacon, a Sunday School teacher and chaired the Pastor Search Committee that resulted in the selection of Pastor David Lindow. He was also an active member of Gideons International and Shriners International. The best decision he made in his life was approaching a pretty blonde and asking her for a light. That blondie, Nan, became his co-pilot in life. She sometimes had a shaking hand, but her heart was always filled with love and her head was held high as she lit the way though some of the lifes rocky roads. She still says it was worth every bit of it. Arthur is survived by his dear wife of 58 years, Nan(cy) Burer; children Wilma Jean Burer, Arthur William Burer, Jr., Winifred Ann Choate and Robert Patrick Burer; nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren; brothers Joseph Burer and Alfred Burer; and numerous relatives, friends and colleagues. He is preceded in death by his parents Herman and Wilma, his brother James and his grandson Bradley. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 18th from 6 " 9 pm at the Schertz Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Universal City on Monday, April 19th at noon. Burial services will follow at 2:45 pm at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with full military honors. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations are made to Gideons International to honor his dedication to their work.
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